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April 7, 2026
Cortney LaCorte
  1. Lifestyle + Travel

Sicily Itinerary

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Lifestyle + Travel

Sicily was a vibe. It had this earthy, grounded energy that was totally different from Amalfi, in the best way. Everything felt deeper — the views, the food, the pace. 

Our Day-to-Day in Sicily

Day 7
We said goodbye to Amalfi and made our way to Taormina. The drive down the coast was way better than the drive up — still curvy but felt easier, probably because we weren’t as carsick this time lol. We flew from Naples to Rome to Catania (yes, another big travel day) and had a driver pick us up and take us to the Four Seasons in Taormina.

If you’ve watched White Lotus season 2… yep, this is that hotel. Total splurge, but wow. Probably the most stunning hotel we’ve ever stayed at. The property, the views, the quiet. We were all pretty wiped, so we kept it easy with dinner at the hotel and honestly, it was incredible. 10/10 just sitting there, staring at the sea.

Day 8
I completely forgot it was Mother’s Day, such a perfect day. We wandered into town that morning, shopped around a bit, and grabbed lunch at La Romano, pizza, and Roman-style pasta. It wasn’t life-changing, but it hit the spot. We went back to the hotel, read by the pool, and had Aperitivo, because obviously. The olives in Sicily are next level. I still think about them.

That night we got dressed up for dinner at Otto Geleng, and it was everything. It’s one of those full-experience tasting menus. Five courses (but really seven if you count the two rounds of starters that don’t count toward the five). I was so full I thought I might burst, but I would still do it all over again.

Day 9
Such a standout day. We did wine tasting on Mt. Etna, about an hour and a half from Taormina. Our first stop was Graci Winery, in the hills of Passopisciaro. They focus on organic, minimal-intervention wine and the property was so serene. Also, their wine pup was the star of the show. Afterward, we went to Cave Ox for lunch and it ended up being one of the best meals of the entire trip. The cheese plate, the pasta, the chicken cutlets. Everything was perfect. A true must-visit if you’re anywhere nearby.

Next was a tasting and tour at Franchetti. Beautiful wine, really fun vibe, and yes, we bought a few cases to ship home. We met up with my mom and stepdad that night for dinner since they happened to be in Taormina too. And while we were eating, Mt. Etna erupted in the background. Totally casual.

Day 10: Spa and Tischi Toschi

This was a full-on spa and pool day, and we didn’t leave the property until dinner. It was everything we needed. That night, we had dinner at Tischi Toschi, which was highly recommended by my friend Heather McMahan. I trust her with my life when it comes to Italy, and she did not steer us wrong. The wine, the fried cheese, the pasta, the braciole. Every single bite was incredible. And yes. You have to get the lemon jello dessert. Just trust me.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at the San Domenico Palace, Taormina (Four Seasons), and it was unreal. It used to be a convent, and now it’s one of the most cinematic, peaceful hotels I’ve ever seen. The rooms, the gardens, the views, the pool. It’s the kind of place you dream about.

What We Ate

The food in Sicily is so simple, so fresh, and just full of soul. Nothing feels forced. It’s all heart.

Food Highlights:

  • Tasting menu at Otto Geleng
  • Poolside Aperitivo with those unforgettable olives
  • Lunch at Cave Ox near Mt. Etna
  • Dinner at Tischi Toschi with the lemon jello finale

What I Wore

Sicily called for effortless glam. Think relaxed silhouettes with an edge. It was warm during the day and breezy at night, so I packed easy layers I could elevate with a bold earring or fun clutch. One night I wore a black floral matching set that gave total White Lotus energy (I mean… we were literally at the hotel). If you’re planning a spring trip or want some outfit inspo for your next getaway, click here for everything I wore in Italy.

The Experience

There’s just something about Sicily. It wasn’t just beautiful, it was soulful. There was something about the slower pace, the raw landscapes, the simplicity of the food that made everything feel more intentional. It was a place that didn’t need to impress you, it just existed in its own rhythm, and we were lucky to be part of it for a few days. We all left feeling a little more grounded, a little fuller, and already talking about when we could come back.

Enjoy!

Cortney

Cortney LaCorte

Cortney LaCorte is the creator of CheeseGal, a food and entertaining blog born in her Nashville kitchen that celebrates cheese, charcuterie and joyful gatherings

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  1. Debbra
    June 9, 2025
    Reply

    Thank you for sharing! Your entire trip is saved in my Travel Pinterest Board. Can you link your nail color? They popped out in a few of your pictures and I love the color! 🙂

    1. Cortney LaCorte
      June 11, 2025
      Reply

      You know what I’m not sure of the exact color – it’s sort of a “funny bunny” OPI color!! Loved it

  2. Linda
    June 9, 2025
    Reply

    What tour guide did you use for for wine tour to Mt Etna? Thanks!

    1. Cortney LaCorte
      June 11, 2025
      Reply

      We didn’t use a tour guide! Chris researched wineries, booked them and then we had a driver take us! He is a pro at that kind of thing.

  3. Chip Ivie
    June 9, 2025
    Reply

    Thanks for taking me along. We honeymooned in Taormina June 2024 and your photos brought me back. Caio!

    1. Cortney LaCorte
      June 11, 2025
      Reply

      What a fabulous place to honeymoon!! One of my favorite destinations we’ve ever been to. So special!

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If your late-night snack isn’t a little bit unhing If your late-night snack isn’t a little bit unhinged... I don’t want it. Crispy @tatesbakeshop chocolate chip cookies dunked in warm peanut butter with a glass of wine on the side. Trust me on this one. #TatesPartner
One-Pot Chicken & Orzo with Artichoke Hearts & Oli One-Pot Chicken & Orzo with Artichoke Hearts & Olives @knorr #KnorrPartner

If dinner has to happen but I refuse to dirty every pan in my kitchen... this one-pot chicken & orzo is the answer. It’s packed with artichokes, olives, feta, fresh herbs, and so much flavor (thanks to Knorr Granulated Chicken Bouillon). 

Save this one for the next “what’s for dinner?” emergency. ✨

INGREDIENTS:
1 teaspoon Knorr Granulated Chicken Bouillon 
3 tablespoons olive oil
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
Coarsely ground black pepper
1 (14-ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
½ cup dry white wine
4 cups chicken broth
8 ounces orzo (1¼ cups)
½ cup pitted green olives, coarsely chopped
½ cup finely chopped dill or parsley, plus more for serving
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest plus 2 teaspoons lemon juice, plus more to taste
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Dirty like the Cumberland ™️ 🍸 Dirty like the Cumberland ™️ 🍸
Pitcher of Rosé Margaritas ✨ How do you prefer y Pitcher of Rosé Margaritas ✨ 

How do you prefer your marg?? On the rocks or frozen?!

INGREDIENTS:
1 bottle of Rosé
10 ounces blanco tequila
8 ounces lime juice 
6-8 ounces agave syrup (taste as you go to get it where you like it!)

DIRECTIONS:
Add rosé and tequila into a pitcher. Stir together lime juice and agave syrup, then add into the pitcher. Throw in some ice, then stir again. Rim your glasses with agave and sugar (or salt if you prefer.) Pour into prepared glasses and enjoy!
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